Will My 2008 Toyota 4Runner V8 Tow This 6,500 Lbs Camping Trailer? (Ask TFLtruck)

toyota 4runner v8 towing camper trailer specs
Toyota 4Runner V8

Will my 2008 Toyota 4Runner V8 tow this Rockwood MiniLite camping trailer comfortably? The trailer maxes out near 6,500 lbs. This is a question we recently received at ask@tfltruck.com. That’s a very interesting question because it has to do with a V8-powered 4Runner, and because this trailer has a fairly big profile.

Let’s take a look at the 4Runner specifications. The 4.7L V8 under the hood is rated at a healthy 260 horsepower @ 5,400 rpm and 306 lb-ft of torque @ 3,400 rpm. It’s backed up by a 5-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing rating for this setup is 7,300 lbs when using a weight distribution hitch (WDH). The owner of this rig is using a WDH, which is excellent for weight distribution and also to help control trailer sway. The owner is also using extension mirrors to see around this wide trailer, which is all goodness.

This trailer has a relatively tall and long profile, and it may not be always loaded to 6,500 lbs. There is no doubt that the powertrain is strong enough for this trailer, but the crucial questions are: will the trailer sway and is it easy to stop this rig.

We have not had a chance to tow with a 4Runner, but if the trailer is loaded correctly (with about 10% tongue weight) then the sway should be minimized. A proper trailer brake controller is required for trailer of this size and weight. If it’s working properly, then stopping should also be taken car of.

What do you guys think? Will this 4Runner tow this trailer comfortably?